Chain Type Stihl MS880

[john dawson]

How big are the beams you're going to cut? You probably won't need/want a 48" bar for milling and ripping chain is spendy. I'd get a 3/8 bar for the 880

 

Remember you need to touch up the chain every 2 or 3 runs depending on the wood. You really don't want a massively oversized bar when milling.

 

your right, a shorter bar is a good idea, stick with the 404 tho, as youl also need the bar, chain and a sprocket conversion. which maybe more hassle than its worth?

[rxe]

Well, if you need a shorter bar anyway, the only additional expense will be the sprocket rim - just swap the .404 7 pin on the 880 as standard for an 8 pin 3/8 and you're good to go. It would cost about £5 more. 880s come as standard with rim sprockets, and all you do is take the e-clip off and pull out the clutch drum, swap rims, grease the bearing and cut wood!

 

7 or a 8 depends on wood and bar length. An 880 will cut 24" planks of Oak with an 8 pin , no problem. >24", I'd go back to 7 pin.